current

alternating current a current that periodically flows in opposite directions; its amplitude fluctuates as a sine wave.

convection current a current caused by movement by convection of warmer fluid into an area of cooler fluid.

direct current a current that flows in one direction only; when modeled as a wave, its amplitude is constant. When used medically it is called galvanic current. This current has distinct and important polarity and marked secondary chemical effects.

current of injury an electric current that flows between injured myocardium and normal myocardium, because such cells have a reduced membrane potential; it may be either diastolic or systolic.

current of injury, diastolic the current that flows from injured to noninjured tissue during electrical diastole.

current of injury, systolic the current that flows from healthy tissue to injured tissue during electrical systole.

inwardly rectifying current current that rectifies so that it passes more easily towards the interior of a cell.

leakage current the electrical current that exists in the parts or metal case of electrical equipment.

outwardly rectifying current current that rectifies so that it passes more easily towards the exterior of a cell.

potassium rectifying c's transmembrane currents that rectify inwardly or outwardly to make adjustments in cellular functions; they are mainly responsible for the repolarization phase of the action potential. There are at least six mechanisms by which potassium ions move across cardiac cell membranes in the role of rectifier.

al·ter·nat·ing cur·rent (AC),

a current that flows first in one direction then in the other, for example, 60-cycle current.

alternating current (AC)

[ôl′tərnā′ting]

an electric current that reverses direction, according to a consistent sinusoidal pattern. Compare direct current. See also current.

alternating current

An MRI term for a continuously changing flow of electrons that alternates its polarity at a periodic rate. In the US, the current changes at a frequency of 60 Hz.

al·ter·nat·ing cur·rent

(AC, ac, a.c.) (awl'tĕr-nāt-ing kŭr'rĕnt)

Electric current that reverses direction (positive-negative polarity) many times each second (with each rotation of the armature of the dynamo generating the current).

al·ter·nat·ing cur·rent

(AC, a.c.) (awl'tĕr-nāt-ing kŭr'rĕnt)

Electric current that reverses direction (positive-negative polarity) many times each second (with each rotation of the armature of the dynamo generating the current).

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.